Welcome to Black Watch NY West

What is Black Watch? Black watch is a premier level club that was established by founder Steve Freeman in January of 1997. Black Watch Premier has positioned itself in the Northeast as one of the top clubs in the region and even in the entire United States. Black Watch Premier was recognized as one of the top 11 clubs in the entire US by the Super Y League and the directors of each of the 125 competing clubs around the US. Black Watch operates teams in the Albany, Buffalo and now the Southern Tier.
What is the difference between travel soccer and premier level soccer? Black watch is the next level of play. We are looking for dedicated youth players that are willing to make the commitment necessary to be the best that they can be. We will challenge players technically, physically, tactically and mentally amongst competition of a higher level.
How do I know that Black Watch can accomplish what it claims? The Black Watch coaching staff is comprised of professional, college level coaching. Coach P.J. Gondek (Director of Coaching and Head Boys Coach) is the Head Coach of the Fredonia State University Men’s Soccer team and holds a USSF “A” License. Coach Chris Case (Director of Player Development and Head Girls Coach) is the Head Coach of the Fredonia State Women’s Soccer program (79-58-18) and is the winningest women’s coach in Fredonia State History. Dan Smith (Director of Operations/ Assistant Boy’s Coach) is an Assistant Coach of the Fredonia State Men’s Soccer team (5 years) and has 33 years of playing and coaching experience. Kyle Marvin (Assistant Girl’s Coach) is the Assistant Coach of the Fredonia State Women’s Soccer team (7 years) and has a long list of playing accomplishments. Brett Gould, Goalkeeper Coach, Fredonia State Men’s Soccer, will serve as Head Goalkeeper Coach. In its inaugural year Black Watch ST fielded teams in four age groups. Each team was highly competitive with 3 of 4 teams winning the Hilton tournament and the U17 girls winning three tournaments without conceding a goal.
How much does in cost to play for Black Watch? There are many factors which influence the final cost of training and playing with Black Watch. Costs include field rental, coaches’ fees, uniforms, referee/game fees, tournament fees, equipment, etc. The cost will be $845.00. This will be paid in installments. To put that into perspective, other similar premier soccer programs in Western New York and Western Pennsylvania cost between $1400 and $1600. Many elite camps operated by college programs can cost more than $600 for only one week of training.

What do I get for the money? Two events per week for four months with highly qualified staff. Training at one of the elite soccer facilities in the northeast. High quality Nike gear and equipment. Several “friendly” games against competitive teams in preparation for tournament play. Four tournaments at a level that will challenge players.

How many games will be played? We will play four tournaments, 3-4 games each, plus a few friendly games. We hope to play 12-15 games. There will be no league play in 2010.
How often will Black Watch train? Two training sessions per week April through mid July. Some sessions will be substituted with friendly games.

Will there be much travel? Two of the tournaments will be local (Buffalo, Rochester, Erie) and two will be a weekend trip requiring a one or two night stay. Friendly matches will be day trips.